Zodiac - Finding the Constellations in the Works of David Santiago

What: A solo show from painter David SantiagoWhen: Show runs July 24–August 11. Opening reception on July 28, 5–7 pm. Special preview available by request.Where: Beals & Co. Showroom, 830 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501.

santa fe, nm | Albuquerque native David Santiago presents Zodiac, a solo-show featuring his signature portraits of women. Painted on hand-picked panels of wood with charcoal, pastel, acrylic, ink, and makeup, each woman has a dusting of freckles that is in fact a constellation. Through these layered details his subjects come to life, and with this particular show the often overlooked star configurations will be illuminated.

As Santiago explains, his affinity for including freckles on his subjects came from his fascination with the way a lot of people tend to dislike their own. “I’ve always thought they are so beautiful and distinctive, like a snowflake — no freckle faces are alike. They possess so much personality. The random yet organized chaos they emit is hypnotizing, like that of a star constellation. I feel people should wear them proudly, which is one reason they are so predominant in my work. It ties all of my pieces together, but if you look closely you can see they are all unique in their own special way.”

All are welcome to attend Zodiac, opening on Friday, July 28, at the Beals & Co. Showroom, 830 Canyon Road.